More than 130 exhibitors from across the globe will be showcasing their latest developments and projects at the Cityscape Abu Dhabi property exhibition which opens in the UAE tomorrow.

For the ninth consecutive year, Abu Dhabi’s most prominent real estate showcase is set to welcome a significantly increased number of visitors for the next three days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

The UAE capital’s leading real estate event returns with new features and highlights across 18,000 sq m of exhibition space. The pre-registration is up by 26 per cent against the same time last year and is the largest number since 2010, said the event organiser Informa Exhibitions.

The increase in pre-registered visitor numbers at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2015 has highlighted the positive sentiment that now permeates the UAE capital’s real estate industry, they stated.

Showcasing their property launches, exhibitors will be eager to network with thousands of institutional and private investors, government authorities, architects, and senior level professionals involved in real estate developments across the Middle East, said the organisers.

The General Housing Company for Investment and Development (GHC), a unit of Beirut-based developer Karam Holdings, is launching its latest phase of Sky Gardens, a new residential project in the marina area of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

Ziad Chabtini, the chief operating officer of GHC, said: “Our decision to launch this critical phase of Sky Gardens is a direct reflection of our trust in the steady growth of the UAE real estate market and Cityscape Abu Dhabi is the perfect platform to reach out to the public and maximise our exposure.”
 
Wahat Al Zaweya will likely be a popular stand for visitors as its launch their Aryaf eco-friendly project, located in the centre of the UAE.

Consisting of villas for Emiratis-only, the sustainable project promotes smarter energy usage and aims to reduce the negative impact on the environment, sustain the growth in the housing sector and improve the lifestyle of individuals.

Exhibiting for the first time at the show, Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company Eagle Hills will also showcase its latest development, international smart city riverside project, Belgrade Waterfront, located in Serbia.

Working with regional governments to adopt property measurements, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will be available on the exhibition floor to discuss the role which the Valuation International Standards can play in mitigating market risk and attracting worldwide investment.

Wouter Molman, the director of Cityscape Group at Informa Exhibitions, said: "The year-on-year growth in pre-registered visitors so far at the show is a strong indicator of how the Abu Dhabi real estate market has been performing over the last 12 months."

"With property prices and returns in the UAE capital linked to supply and demand, the implementation of the government’s Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan is ensuring a constant influx of people into the region by creating a number of jobs for international workers," he noted.

“According to JLL and Colliers, just 18,000 units are due to come online in 2015 and 2016, an increase of 2.8 percent per year, leaving a shortfall of more than 50,000 units. This further highlights the demand for housing and why now is a safe time for investment in the market,” he added.

This year’s edition underlines a strong international feel with growing participation from Turkish exhibitors, as thousands of visitors, investors and developers from around the world prepare to descend upon the show.

Other countries represented include Cayman Islands, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Latvia, Nigeria, Portugal, Serbia, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

Key highlights for this edition include the Abu Dhabi Market Overview forum tomorrow (April 21), jointly organised with JLL and supported by Masdar City, returning for its second time after a successful launch last year.

The half-day forum will draw attention to the Emirate’s latest trends and initiatives, including future developments and anticipated new real estate regulations, said the organisers.  

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2015 returns with support from Strategic Partner Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA), Platinum Sponsor Wahat Al Zaweya, Silver Sponsor Farglory, Official VIP Sponsor Ejadah Asset Management Group and Official Mortgage Provider Abu Dhabi Finance.-TradeArabia News Service